MARC NICKERSON FROM COLCHESTER SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST SCHOOLBOY

In a case that has spanned over two decades, Marc Nickerson, a resident of Colchester, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the sexual abuse and assault of a young schoolboy. The offences, which date back to the mid-1990s, came to light after the victim reported the incidents to the authorities, leading to a detailed investigation and subsequent court proceedings.

Nickerson, who was approximately 15 or 16 years old at the time of the offences, was found to have committed acts of rape, indecency with a male child, and indecent assault. These serious allegations were brought before the court after he pleaded guilty during an earlier hearing. The case was adjourned to allow for psychiatric and probation reports to be prepared, reflecting the court’s thorough approach to understanding the defendant’s mental state and background.

The prosecuting lawyer, Edward Renvoize, emphasized the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on the victim. He explained that the victim’s account of the abuse described it as having a “substantial and lasting effect” on his life. During police interviews, Nickerson initially claimed he had been “stitched up,” attempting to deny the allegations. However, he later admitted to the offences, stating that he had been “experimenting” at the time.

The court heard that the abuse was not confined to a single location. Some of the offences took place at the victim’s home, while others occurred in nearby woods, indicating a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior. The investigation also revealed that Nickerson had a prior conviction for indecent assault on a male in 1996. Additionally, he had served time for sexually assaulting a female in October 2007, which resulted in a nine-month jail sentence. Further, in 2014, he was jailed for 24 weeks following another sexual assault, this time involving a different female.

Judge John Devaux, presiding over the case, sentenced Nickerson to eight years in prison. In his remarks, the judge highlighted that the defendant had committed multiple offences against a single victim, which compounded the severity of the case. Importantly, the judge noted that Nickerson had not threatened the boy nor instructed him to keep the abuse a secret, which added a layer of complexity to the case. The sentencing underscores the gravity of the crimes committed and the long-lasting harm inflicted on the victim, as the court seeks justice for the young boy from Colchester.